Eriobotrya japonica

Thick evergreen leaves.

Widely cultivated and easily grown from seed planted fresh. Cold winters can halt fruit production. Fruit ripens in the spring.

The loquat has a high sugar, acid, and pectin content.[24] It is eaten as a fresh fruit and mixes well with other fruits in fresh fruit salads or fruit cups. The fruits are also commonly used to make jam, jelly, and chutney, and are often served poached in light syrup. Firm, slightly immature fruits are best for making pies or tarts.